TRIGGER WARNING (Suicide, Abuse)

Hello, I’m your host Andrew Pledger and this is "Surviving Bob Jones University: A Christian Cult."

I grew up in fundamentalist Christianity, specifically the Independent Fundamental Baptist cult. I was homeschooled my entire life to be indoctrinated into this environment. I was subjected to psychological, spiritual, and emotional abuse. I experienced religious trauma from abusive theology on hell, the end times, purity culture, sexuality, and human nature. As a queer person, I experienced so much trauma from their hateful and violent speech towards the LGBTQ+ community and also harm from authoritarian parents. Fundamentalist Christianity was my whole world and I ended up at Bob Jones University. I was at BJU for 3.5 years from 2018-2021. While at Bob Jones I struggled with my mental health from religious trauma, sexual repression, and minority stress. I was driven to the point of nearly committing suicide from my traumas in this system of control. I knew I could not get the help I needed in this environment so I searched outside the group. I was able to connect with people on the outside who would eventually get me out of this cult. Series coming in 2023.

More stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

Music Credit: https://www.purple-planet.com

Connect with Andrew Pledger

Mental Health Resources

National Suicide Hotline (988)

Trevor Project Hotline

CDC Resources

Find a Therapist (Psychology Today)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bob Jones University is a private Christian university located in Greenville, South Carolina. The university has a long and complex history, marked by controversies and legal battles over issues such as racial segregation, academic freedom, sexual abuse claims, discrimination against LGBTQIA+ students, and the toxicity of religious fundamentalism. In this episode, we will explore the history of Bob Jones University and its influence on politics.

Wut BJU Blog: https://wutbju.tumblr.com/

Join the discussion group HERE https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/

Connect with Andrew Pledger

Social Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links

Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger

More stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

Sermons

Sermon 1: https://youtu.be/Smdmq5Hi7MQ

Sermon 2: https://youtu.be/oRWlUaKVw_o

Sources: https://www.tumblr.com/survivingbjupodcast/726104816669081600/sources?source=share

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fundamentalism refers to a belief system that upholds a strict interpretation of religious or political ideologies, which are considered fundamental to the faith or cause. Fundamentalism is a mindset or an approach to an ideology and can happen in any social group. This episode will specifically examine the needs that fundamentalist Christianity provides for people, and the lengths people will go to protect the emotional high they get from its teachings and approach. The psychological underpinnings of fundamentalism, focus on the black and white/ us vs them mindset, authoritarianism, anti-intellectualism, justification of evil, narcissism, and claim of absolute truth.

Join the discussion group HERE https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/

Connect with Camille K. Lewis

WutBJU Blog: https://wutbju.tumblr.com/

Connect with Andrew Pledger

Social Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links

Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger

More stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

Sources: https://www.tumblr.com/survivingbjupodcast/726104816669081600/sources?source=share

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode exposes the troubling legacy of Bob Jones University, a Christian college that has faced intense scrutiny for its toxic teachings and harmful rules. In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the controversial practices of this institution, shedding light on the experiences of those affected by its ideologies, and its toxic culture. Join us as survivors guide us through a comprehensive exploration of Bob Jones University's policies. We uncover the strict codes of conduct, discriminatory practices, and the stifling of critical thinking within the university's academic environment.

Join the discussion group HERE https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/

Follow Craig Viette on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tQ3Cd-w-oGQ

Connect with Nate Nakao

Linktree: linktr.ee/natenakao

Podcast: fullmutuality.com

Network: dauntless.fm

Discord: dauntless.fm/discord-server

Connect with Andrew Pledger

Social Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links

Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger

More stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

Sources: https://www.tumblr.com/survivingbjupodcast/726104816669081600/sources?source=share

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode reveals the authoritarian leadership at Bob Jones University. We expose the hidden dynamics of this institution and the struggles of students who face a rigid system of control. We also explore control and daily life as a student at Bob Jones University. We share the stories of former students who reveal the challenges and harms of this culture. From strict rules and activities to judgment and fear, we show how this environment impacts students’ mental, emotional, and social well-being. Dr. Laura Anderson shares some insights on her experiences at Liberty University, and how it is similar to BJU. Check out her new book "When Religion Hurts You."

Join the discussion group HERE https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/

Connect with Andrew Pledger

Social Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links

Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger

Speaking Up Podcast: https://shows.acast.com/speaking-up-with-andrew-pledger

More stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

Sources: https://www.tumblr.com/survivingbjupodcast/726104816669081600/sources?source=share

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify -

In this eye-opening episode, we shine a spotlight on the concerning approach to mental health at Bob Jones University, where psychological evidence takes a backseat to spiritual beliefs. Join us as we explore the detrimental impact of this perspective, which often blames and shames students for their mental health struggles, attributing them solely to a lack of spiritual closeness to Jesus and perceived sins. Lee Foster studied Biblical Counseling in her Bachelors's and Master's at BJU, and she pulls back the curtain on this dangerous and unethical practice.

Join the discussion group HERE https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/

Connect with Andrew Pledger

Social Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links

Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger

More stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

Full Sermons

Mazak: https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1115201656507514

Jim Berg: https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=101003151620

Sources: https://www.tumblr.com/survivingbjupodcast/726104816669081600/sources?source=share

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode, we delve into the lived experiences of queer individuals at Bob Jones University, where being queer is viewed as a sin that requires fixing through counseling. Join us as we shed light on the harmful environment created by the spread of homophobia through hateful sermons and the weaponization of scripture. Through candid interviews with former students, we explore the challenges faced by queer individuals within the confines of Bob Jones University. We discuss the damaging impact of a religious doctrine that labels queerness as inherently sinful and in need of correction, perpetuating a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ students.

Join the Facebook discussion group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/

Connect with Andrew Pledger

Social Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links

Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger

More stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

Sources: https://www.tumblr.com/survivingbjupodcast/726104816669081600/sources?source=share

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Buy the book BJU and Me: Queer Voices from the World's Most Christian University

Leave a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

In this group interview, we hear from two of the queer survivors who share their stories in the book BJU and Me: Queer Voices from the World’s Most Christian University. This book, edited by Lance Weldy, a former queer student of BJU himself, provides behind-the-scenes explanations from nineteen former BJU students from the past few decades who now identify as LGBTQ+. They write about their experiences, reflect on their relationships with the religious institution, and describe their vulnerability under a controlling regime. The survivors who sit down with me are Lance Weldy, and Andrew Bolden.

Join the discussion group HERE https://www.facebook.com/groups/1153866318625322/

Connect with Andrew Pledger

Social Media: https://andrewpledger.mypixieset.com/links

Join my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4ndrewpledger

More stories on 'Beyond BJU' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.

Sources: https://www.tumblr.com/survivingbjupodcast/726104816669081600/sources?source=share

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.